Hey all! I was wondering, everyone had directions on the hatchbacks rear seat removal, but no cabrio, and from what I can tell on mine, its not the same...any others have done it? Also, besides removing the rear seat, any other ideas for losing weight in the Cabrio? Thanks!

 

My basic understanding is, on the cabrio, the rear seat is a structural member of some sort and can't be removed without really weakening the whole rear of the vehicle. Am I wrong? (Probably...!)

 

It's pretty straightforward for the cabrio. Remove the plastic kid/baby seat plugs by pulling out. Lift up the front of the seat, push a little and then lift out. Easy.

Top of rear seats then can be removed by lowering them and removing the bolt between the seat hinges (accessed from the trunk--you may have to spread open the space between the seats to find the bolt). Then from inside the car--- tilt back seat to 45 degrees (one at a time) and pulling while rocking up and down will remove each side from the middle hinge. You're done!

You maybe able to see diagrams on Crutchfield.com or other stereo sites as the back seats have to come out prior to changing out the speakers.

 

I removed mine and the hardware and saved about 40 lbs. Had MUCH more room in the back. It was a little noisier. I put the seat back in when I had need for the passenger space. The seat is definitely not a structural element and does not weaken the car when it is removed. Removal of the seatback is a little tricky but as I remember the Bentley manual is pretty comprehensive on the issue.

 

The instructions for removing the rear seat are exactly the same for cabrio and hatchback. I followed the hatchback instructions on my cabrio. What did you see that you thought was different?

The great thing about the cabrio is that you can do it with the top down, makes it much easier than the hatchback!

 

thanks alot!

 

Yeah it looked like the middle latch area was a tad different than the hatchback...guess I was wrong. My question is...is there a difference that any of you can feel in general, turns, braking, hill climbs, acceleration. I mean, I know it always helps, but do you feel it?

 

Here is the frame of the MINI, with the yellow reinforcements added for the cab. The rear seats don't do too much.